This condition is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus, a ubiquitous poxvirus that escapes immune destruction for months to years.

Transmission: occurs directly by close personal contact, or indirectly via fomites (contaminated surfaces) such as shared towels and flannels.

The majority of cases occur in children (often in children with atopic eczema), with the maximum incidence in preschool children aged 1-4 years.

Risk factors:

• Close contact or sexual contact with an infected individual
• atopic dermatitis
• immuncomprimised
• tropical climate
• swimming

PC

*Presence of risk factors

• characteristic pinkish or pearly white papules with a central umbilication, which are up to 5 mm in diameter.
• Surrounding erythema
• Pruritis

Site of lesions:

Lesions appear in clusters in areas anywhere on the body (except the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet).

• In children, lesions are commonly seen on the trunk and in flexures, but anogenital lesions may also occur.
• In adults, sexual contact may lead to lesions developing on the genitalia, pubis, thighs, and lower abdomen - offer STI screen